Cote d'Ivoire: Increased security measures to persist in northern regions through at least mid-July

Event

Authorities are likely to maintain a heightened security posture in northern Cote d’Ivoire through at least mid-July following a recent uptick of attacks, notably along the border with Burkina Faso. Savanes and Zanzan districts, which include most of Comoe National Park, remain the most affected areas. Since March 2021, at least nine incidents have been reported, including the country’s first known bomb explosion June 12. The device targeted a military vehicle near Tehini, Zanzan District, killing three security personnel and wounding four others.

due to the uptick in violent incidents, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice for Cote d’Ivoire June 23. The FCDO now advises against all travel to within 40 km (29 miles) of the border with Mali and Burkina Faso, including Zanzan and Savanes districts and Comoe National Park.

Authorities are likely to maintain an increased security presence over the coming days and weeks along the border with Burkina Faso and Mali, specifically in the vicinity of the Comoe area. This increased posture may include additional checkpoints and patrols, and movement restrictions such as road closures and temporary curfews, should additional attacks occur.

Context

The increased number of security incident reported since March 2021 in northern Cote d’Ivoire is likely the result of Sahel-based militant groups seeking to expand their regional operations. Even though no group has formally claimed responsibility for these attacks, they have usually been attributed to the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin') militant group linked to Al-Qaeda.

Advice

Monitor updates. Exercise a high degree of vigilance in the affected areas. If operating in the areas, vary routes and times of travel and ensure the use of secure transport. Heed the instructions of security officials. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.